"CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Coal operators can and should take more aggressive steps to reduce dust emissions from blasting and heavy equipment at mountaintop removal mines, according to new studies released this week as part of a controversial industry-funded research project."

"More thorough mine planning and careful mining practices could reduce dust emissions and help companies control drainage, improve reclamation, and eventually curb water pollution, according to the studies, authored by engineers at West Virginia University and the University of Kentucky.

'Everything that goes outside of the mine site, you could solve that,' said Vladislav Kecojevic, a WVU mining engineer. 'You can get it at a cheap price, but the benefits of it would be tremendous.'"